self-destructive

adjective

self-de·​struc·​tive ˌself-di-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce self-destructive (audio)
: acting or tending to harm or destroy oneself
self-destructive behavior
also : suicidal
a self-destructive impulse
self-destructiveness noun

Examples of self-destructive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Godfrey, the author of The Torn Skirt, a novel about the effects of a self-destructive girlhood, felt compelled to report on what happened, and why. Sarah Weinman, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2024 Sometimes conducted in group settings, the approach is designed to help people overcome black-and-white thinking and develop emotional regulation skills, which are key for healthily managing emotional pain instead of turning to self-destructive habits. Kristen Rogers, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024 My coping strategies were bad, unhealthy, self-destructive, and dangerous. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024 As recovery experts will say, sobriety also means a daily commitment to a new lifestyle, a focus on self-care and sometimes painful self-examination in order to transform self-destructive behaviors and attitudes into positive, healthy ones. Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for self-destructive 

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-destructive was in 1641

Dictionary Entries Near self-destructive

Cite this Entry

“Self-destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-destructive. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

self-destructive

adjective
self-de·​struc·​tive -ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce self-destructive (audio)
: acting or tending to harm or destroy oneself
self-destructive behavior
also : suicidal
self-destructively adverb
self-destructiveness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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